What I call my ‘self’ now is hardly a person at all. It’s mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etcetera, some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils. The self you were really intended to be is something that lives not from nature but from God.
C. S. Lewis
Are you uncertain about who you truly are? Many people, including the renowned author C.S. Lewis, have pondered over this question. According to Lewis, our true self is not confined to our natural inclinations or external influences, but rather comes from a deeper connection with God. By reflecting on our natural forces, desires, and fears, nurturing our spiritual connection, and living authentically, we can discover our true selves and find fulfillment on our journey.
Table of Contents
- 1 What I call my ‘self’ now is hardly a person at all. It’s mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etcetera, some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils. The self you were really intended to be is something that lives not from nature but from God.
- 2 C. S. Lewis
- 3 Meaning of Quote – What I call my ‘self’ now is hardly a person at all. It’s mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etcetera, some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils. The self you were really intended to be is something that lives not from nature but from God.
- 4 Freely Shareable Quote Image
- 5 Related
Meaning of Quote – What I call my ‘self’ now is hardly a person at all. It’s mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etcetera, some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils. The self you were really intended to be is something that lives not from nature but from God.
Are you feeling uncertain about who you truly are? Do you ever wonder why you act in certain ways or have certain desires and fears? Well, you’re not alone! Many people, including myself, have pondered over these questions. In fact, the renowned American author, C.S. Lewis, expressed his own thoughts on this matter and opened up a fascinating discussion on the concept of the self. In one of his thought-provoking quotes, Lewis said, “What I call my ‘self’ now is hardly a person at all. It’s mainly a meeting place for various natural forces, desires, and fears, etcetera, some of which come from my ancestors, and some from my education, some perhaps from devils.” But fear not, dear reader, for Lewis also offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that the true self we were meant to be comes not from nature, but from God.
Let’s delve deeper into Lewis’s insightful words and see what they mean for each of us. To begin, Lewis refers to his “self” as merely a meeting place for different natural forces, desires, and fears. Imagine your self as a crowded room, with each force, desire, and fear representing a unique guest. Some of these guests might be inherited from your ancestors, passed down through generations like family heirlooms. Others might be influenced by your education, shaped by the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained. And then there are those guests that seem to be driven by something more sinister, maybe even originating from devils, symbolizing the internal struggles and temptations we face.
But what does all of this mean for our true identity? Does it mean we are simply products of our DNA, environment, and external influences? According to Lewis, the answer is no. He suggests that the self we were truly meant to be transcends the natural forces and external influences. It is something greater, something that comes not from nature but from God. In other words, our true self is connected to a higher power, a divine source from which our identity is derived.
Now, this idea might seem complex or difficult to grasp, especially for a seventh-grade reader. However, let’s break it down into simpler terms. Imagine you have a favorite activity, like painting. When you paint, you express your creativity and individuality. The resulting artwork reflects a piece of who you are. In the same way, Lewis suggests that our true self is like a masterpiece created by God. We are unique individuals, each with our own strengths, passions, and characteristics. Our true self is not confined to the limitations of our nature or external influences, but rather it comes alive when we connect with our divine purpose.
While it may be tempting to rely solely on our natural inclinations and external influences to define ourselves, Lewis encourages us to look beyond these factors. He implies that when we embrace our connection with God, we can tap into our true potential. We can discover who we were really meant to be individuals who live according to our divine calling and purpose. This idea encourages us to be conscious of our actions, choices, and desires, as they can either align us with our true self or distort our authenticity.
So how can we navigate this journey of self-discovery and connection to our true selves? Well, it begins with self-reflection. Take a moment to reflect on your own natural forces, desires, and fears. Consider how they align with your values and beliefs. Are there any forces or desires that seem to pull you away from who you want to be? Recognizing and acknowledging these aspects of yourself is the first step toward growth and transformation.
Next, nurture your connection with God or your own source of spirituality. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you closer to your higher power. By cultivating this connection, you invite guidance and inspiration into your life, helping you align with your true self more fully.
Additionally, surround yourself with positive influences and like-minded individuals who support your journey of self-discovery. Seek out mentors, role models, or community groups that share your values and can offer guidance along the way.
Remember, your true self is not limited by circumstances or external influences but is rooted in something divine and ever-present. By seeking that connection and understanding your natural forces, desires, and fears, you can navigate through life with intention and purpose.
In conclusion, C.S. Lewis’s quote offers an invaluable perspective on the concept of the self. While our current sense of self may be shaped by various natural forces, desires, and fears, our true identity comes from a deeper connection with God. It’s important to recognize that we have the potential to transcend our nature and external influences and live according to our divine purpose. By engaging in self-reflection and nurturing our spiritual connection, we can begin to unravel the layers of our true self and live authentically. So embrace your unique qualities, explore your passions, and let your true self shine, for it is through this journey that you will find fulfillment and a sense of belonging.
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